Mark on a hike with his dogs.
 
 

My Philosophy

Finding the right college should be an opportunity to explore and grow rather than a looming mountain to climb. By understanding each student, building their confidence, and guiding them through each step, I help them find their college fit while minimizing the anxiety that can overshadow the journey.


“Mark tutored my older son for the ACT and worked with him on his application essays. He did very well on the test and was accepted at UCLA and UC Berkeley. Thank you, Mark!”
— Kelly, Ridgewood NJ

For over ten years, CollegeAware founder Mark Babunovic has partnered with students and parents in college planning, test preparation and applications. He has helped hundreds of students get into colleges of their choice, excited and determined to make the most of their futures. These schools include Boston College, Cornell, Duke, Georgetown, King’s College London, the Naval Academy, Northeastern, Northwestern, Notre Dame, UPenn, and West Point.


Mark majored in economics at Tulane University and the London School of Economics, and earned his MBA at the University of Rochester Simon School. Prior to founding CollegeAware, he developed derivative products as a managing director at JPMorgan Chase and at Bank of New York Mellon. Among his volunteer and civic activities, Mark was a scoutmaster, president of the parent board of Ridgewood Crew, and served on the board of the Institute for Justice, a public interest law firm. He is a member of the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) and a volunteer in the Matchlighters Scholars Program, which provides college counseling to high-achieving students in low income families.

Marks 3 kids.
 
 

Mark developed his passion for teaching and motivating students through his three children, and through working with youth in sports, scouting, and his church. He lives in northern New Jersey with his wife Sue, a research biologist. 

And when he’s not teaching…

  • Mark was scoutmaster of his sons’ troop for 14 years, helping mentor 33 scouts to their Eagle rank.

  • An avid hiker, Mark has set a goal of climbing all 46 Adirondack High Peaks. He has just 45 to go.

  • Mark helps serve meals at Eva’s Kitchen in Paterson.